Washington, DC is known for its iconic landmarks and historical monuments, but there are also plenty of unique activities to discover off the beaten path. From hidden gardens to quirky museums, here are 16 attractions to add to your DC itinerary.
1. The Mansion on O Street: This eccentric hotel and museum is filled with secret doors, hidden rooms, and a collection of over 70,000 items. Visitors can take a self-guided tour or stay overnight in one of the themed rooms.
2. National Building Museum: This museum explores the history and design of architecture and urban planning. Don’t miss the massive Great Hall, which features a 75-foot-tall Corinthian column and a giant model of Washington, DC.
3. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens: Located in Northeast DC, this 700-acre park is home to a stunning collection of water lilies, lotus flowers, and other aquatic plants. Visitors can explore the gardens on foot or by canoe.
4. The Phillips Collection: This intimate art museum in Dupont Circle features works by modern and contemporary artists, including Renoir, Rothko, and O’Keeffe.
5. National Museum of Women in the Arts: This museum celebrates the achievements of women artists from around the world. Exhibits range from ancient to contemporary art and include paintings, sculptures, and photography.
6. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens: This former home of heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post is now a museum and botanical garden. Highlights include a collection of Fabergé eggs and a Japanese-style garden.
7. National Postal Museum: This museum explores the history of the US Postal Service and its role in American history. Exhibits include rare stamps, postal vehicles, and interactive displays.
8. The Textile Museum: This museum showcases textiles from around the world, including ancient Peruvian weavings, Japanese kimonos, and contemporary fiber art.
9. The National Museum of American Jewish Military History: This museum honors the contributions of Jewish Americans who have served in the US military. Exhibits include artifacts from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
10. The National Museum of Health and Medicine: This museum explores the history of medicine and features exhibits on topics such as forensic pathology, military medicine, and infectious diseases.
11. The National Museum of African Art: This museum features traditional and contemporary art from across the African continent. Exhibits include masks, sculptures, textiles, and photography.
12. The National Museum of American History: While not exactly off the beaten path, this museum is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors. Highlights include the original Star-Spangled Banner, the First Ladies’ Inaugural Gowns, and the Kermit the Frog puppet.
13. The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden: This modern art museum features works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, and Yoko Ono. The outdoor sculpture garden is also worth a visit.
14. The National Museum of Women’s History: Currently located online, this museum is set to open a physical location in 2022. It will be the first national museum dedicated solely to women’s history.
15. The Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America: This peaceful oasis in Northeast DC features a replica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, as well as gardens, chapels, and a gift shop.
16. The National Arboretum: This 446-acre park features a variety of gardens, including a bonsai collection, a herb garden, and a national herb garden. Visitors can also explore the park’s hiking trails and picnic areas.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a DC local, these off-the-beaten-path attractions offer a unique perspective on the nation’s capital. From hidden gardens to quirky museums, there’s always something new to discover in Washington, DC.
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